Dentoria

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The map of Dentoria. For more detailed version see [1]
The map of Dentoria. For more detailed version see [1]

Dentoria is one of the three largest countries of Eire and the homeland of Himitsu no Sensou's three heroes. It is a structured monarchy currently ruled by King Donal of Milesia. Its capital is Eblar.

Contents

[edit] History

In ancient times, the lands that would one day form the nation of Dentoria was divided into separate fiefdoms competing to gain more land to support themselves and power through abundance of resources. The result was frequent outbreak of war, scattered across the country. As the years passed and alliances were formed to give rise to what are now the four domains of Dentoria and Kanemoria, the outbreaks of war decreased, though the same could not be said for the intensity of the battles. House Milesia, in command of the lands in Dentoria’s west, long desired for unification so that war would end and peace would be restored.

Though they had tried to persuade their allies of this cause for years, it was not until the generation of Frederik I, a man particularly gifted at words, that they were finally convinced. War continued as others refused to align with Milesia and their allies, either because they feared losing their independence – as the Lords of the East did – or, like the Lords of the North, desired rule of all the land for themselves.

Gradually, however, they favoured the idea of unification as resources ran low and the people began to tire of battle and were more willing to sacrifice some independence for peace and all it promised. It was agreed that while the Lords of Milesia held the right to call themselves royal, a council would be formed to govern Dentoria with the King. The structure of government and allocation of power satisfied the lords enough that now - despite the independence of the Riverlands now known as Kanemoria - House Milesia has ruled Dentoria through hundreds of years of calm and stability.

[edit] Geography

Dentoria is separated from Korin by the Eran mountain range to the north, from Hanalan, Atsiria and Kanemoria by the River Shanen to the west, from Megam by the land bridge known as the Pilgrim's Pass. It is also bordered by the Southern Seas and the Seralis Strait to the east.

The northern region of Dentoria is generally quite hilly. Unlike the other regions of Dentoria, snow during winter is a common occurrence that may appear as early as November. Summers are mild, and rarely reach the temperatures of the southern summers. Central Dentoria consists of temperate grassland, while eastern Dentoria consists of low-lying land that is prone to flooding during the summer months, when the ice and snow in southern Korin melt, causing the water levels of the Fallah catchment, the Arisadre, Glenabar and Morclaire rivers to rise. Terrain in western and southern Dentoria is flat, with fertile soil that gives the highest yield of agricultural produce in Dentoria. The frequency of storms on the southern coast increases during spring and summer. Generally, the climate becomes warmer as one goes further south.

[edit] Government

[edit] Organisation

Dentoria is a monarchy, with the King retaining a considerable amount of power, having the final word on any bills and laws discussed by the Council. The throne is hereditary, usually passing onto the eldest son, or the eldest daughter when there is no direct male heir. The crown is currently held by King Donal, and his son, the Crown Prince Ian, is his heir.

Government is divided among the four great houses of Emeron, Temair, Conare and Rhia, which are served by the lesser houses. A position on the King's council, and the duties assigned to the position, is also hereditary, usually going to the ruling noble or heir of a house, and they remain in this position until they themselves pass it onto a family member, with the King's approval, or until their death.

Government of the land is the responsibility of the houses. The great houses receive land directly from the sovereign, and they then allocate the land to the lesser houses. Every house pays homage to the crown, and the lesser houses to their respective great house. In return for the land, each house is bound to maintain a military force the crown can call upon when needed. Their duties also include collecting taxes to which a percentage is allocated to the Treasury, upholding law and order, appointing or acting as judges in local disputes, providing military protection and assistance for its people, supervising food storage and security, and maintaining roads and public works.

[edit] Inheritance

Dentoria follows the system of male primogeniture. The eldest living male child succeeds his parents’ properties and titles, and failing that, the eldest daughter. Exceptions to this rule occur when the presumed heir is either phyiscally or mentally incapable of fulfilling his present and future duties. If the ruler dies childless, the eldest brother succeeds, then the eldest sister. The title heir apparent is used to refer to one first in the line of succession and who cannot lose this status through the birth of anyone else, while Heir Presumptive is used to denote one who can be displaced.

Should a ruling lord or lady die before the heir reaches adulthood- normally accepted as eighteen years of age- a single regent, or a council of regents, rules in the heir’s stead until that age is reached. Regents also rule when the ruling lord is either ill or absent, and if the heir is physically or mentally incapable of ruling and has no other to take his place, the regent will rule in his name until the heir becomes able. In the case of a female heir, the regent rules until the heiress is married, or when her own heir is assured. The regent is usually the deceased lord or lady’s spouse or sibling and is given the title Lord Regent or Lady Regent. As of yet, no noble house has been ceased.

Whether women can rule by birthright alone depends on the house. In the south and west, she is basically the figurehead and does not excise any real power. Government is left to her husband, her son or in rare cases, her uncles if she is unmarried. In the north and east, a woman holds every right and power a male ruler would, but however, since she is also expected to fulfill all the duties of a noble wife alongside the duties of a ruler, it is generally thought that she is better off marrying a man - the more powerful, the better - who would help her govern. In reality, especially in the north, the woman's husband gains equal right over his wife's inheritance, and his word taken almost as seriously as his wife's. Dentorian society as a whole does not approve of women playing a part in politics and government and deem that such a thing should happen only when necessary.

It is expected of the ruling noble and/or heir to assure the future of younger sons and daughters. Younger sons usually receive a small piece of land that they are responsible for or become knights, clergymen, scholars, representatives of their house in the King’s Council, the Royal Court or the High Court, or find some other means to support themselves. Daughters usually marry into another noble family, or may choose to serve the church or , in very rare instances, become a scholar.

[edit] Society

[edit] People

The people of Dentoria are mostly tall and blond. Northern Dentorians are usually broad-shouldered, with a stockier build, and may have hair colours as unusual as blue and green due to early settlers from Korin. Eastern Dentorians are possibly the most varied in appearance, due to the high immigrant population from Kanemoria, Hanalan, Atsiria and Korin integrating with native Dentorians. Southern Dentorians are slim and darker-skinned, while western Dentorians are usually dark haired.

Despite Dentoria being a mostly peaceful country, there are times when old prejudices resurface. Northern Dentorians are joked about as proud snow giants reluctant to leave the north due to fear of melting, Southern Dentorians as dandies taken to believing superstition over common sense, the West as greedy misers who would sell their mothers for gold, and the East as stiff and proper sticklers to the codes of honour who could use the removal of a stick from their backsides. As with all stereotypes, these are caricatures of traits said to be inherent of Dentorians living in these regions; northerners are known for their pride, westerners for their self-discipline, southerners for their leniency, and easterners for their integrity.

[edit] Daily Lives

The daily lives of Dentorians vary depending on where one lives. Population density increases near the residence of a ruling lord, where one can take advantage of his protection. Villages in Dentoria are comprised of mostly farmers or fishermen and a few skilled tradesmen, headed by a mayor appointed by the ruling lord. Every citizen of a village is expected to attend social activities: weddings, fairs and fetes with musicians and dancers performing at the village square, merchants arriving to sell their goods. Most villagers live their entire lives there, never leaving the village’s boundaries. City life is generally busier than village life, primarily due to the significantly larger number of people living in the area. Cities are better protected than villages, as it may also surround the residence of the ruling lord. Dentoria’s social structure, while stable, means that it is difficult for one to raise in status without a combination of enterprise, hard work and luck.

[edit] Language

Over the years, the number of Dentorians who primarily speak Trade increased, specifically among the common people, to the point where Trade is now the main language in Dentoria. Government functions such as Council meetings and court trials are conducted in Dentorian. High Dentorian is mostly spoken among nobles, Old Dentorian known to nobles and highly educated people, and Old High Dentorian- the earliest form of Dentorian- by specialised scholars of the language. The diversity between the regions of Dentoria means that a few distinct accents have been formed, though two people speaking in different accents can understand the other quite well. Educated people are taught the "proper" way of speaking, but most find it difficult to discard the speech of their childhood completely. Dentorian itself can be described as sounding fluid, though those learning the language often struggle with the needlessly complicated grammar.

[edit] Education

Basic education is accessible to everyone, and it is standard for most Dentorians to be able to read and write in Trade and Dentorian and do basic arithmetic. Children are required to go to the village school run by either the local church or ruling lord from six to fifteen years of age, where they would be taught language skills, simple mathematics, history and religion. More often than not, most children do not complete the full ten years of schooling; rather, they help their parents with their trade and follow in their footsteps, or another tradesman offers them an apprenticeship. Noble children are usually taught at a much higher standard by a tutor or scholar. In addition to language, mathematics, history and religion, noble sons are taught a weapon, usually the sword, as well as battle strategy, the sciences, government, philosophy and rhetoric, while daughters are taught staves or magic, etiquette, the arts, music and domestic skills. Those who aspire to higher education after fifteen years of age could apply for entrance to the universities in Eblar, Temair and Rhia, if they are wealthy enough. The highest standard of education though, is received from the Rayla Academy in Korin.

[edit] The Knighthood

Becoming a knight is one way to rise in status. A knight’s duty is to protect the crown, his liege and people living on his liege’s property. Female knights are not common, but neither are they rare. It is possible for anyone to become a knight, but the expense of the process would mean that only nobles, well off families and families who have served as knights for generations would actually succeed. The process of being knighted begins at quite an early age, usually around 5-6, where basic courtesy and manners are taught before being sent away at about 9 years of age as a page to the lord’s property for training. During training, various battle skills such as use of weapons and armour and horse riding are learnt. At around 13 years, the page is assigned to a knight as a squire or apprentice, when he could learn skills and techniques by observing his mentor. He is also required to take care of his mentor’s equipment and horse. Once a squire has developed adequate mastery of skills, he was dubbed a knight by the ruling lord. Very talented people accelerate through the ranks to full knighthood by their late teens. In the last twenty or so years, military academies or "knight schools" have been established by more generous nobility, where nearly anyone can be taught basic self-defense, horse riding and weapon handling by retired knights. In order to reach knighthood, however, the military academy student must undertake apprenticeship.

[edit] Crime

Crime in Dentoria is fairly moderate in large cities and towns, though the crime rate increases significantly the further away from the cities and towns one travels. Petty crimes such as robbery are judged by the ruling lord or the mayor of the village, with the sentence being a large fine and a few months in prison. More serious crimes such as murder, rape and piracy are heard by the ruling lord, a few knights and the mayor, with the sentence being death or a long period in prison. Treason is regarded as the most heinous of crimes, where if found guilty, the accused is hanged, his/her titles and properties seized and the family disgraced and disinherited. If the social status of the accused is high enough, the trial is heard in the High Court in Eblar or Temair, by lords selected at random.

[edit] Religion

Most Dentorians follow the religion of the Dark and Holy Dragons, perhaps more avidly than any other nation in Eire save for Megam. This may have been due to the tidal wave that submerged most of the old western continent of Dyfeint around 600 years ago, and the consequent migration of refugees to Dentoria as well as the missionaries’ preachings about how the mercy, benevolence and protection of the Dragon Gods allowed most of Megam to escape unscathed. Most families in Dentoria make the annual pilgrimage to Lucre at least once in their lifetime. Southern Dentorians follow a hybrid of their traditional superstitions and the religion of the Dragon Gods.

[edit] The Houses of Dentoria

[edit] Ruling House Milesia

Milesia lies a short distance northwest of Eblar, and is now the summer residence of the royal court, though most administrative and government tasks are conducted in the capital.

The Milesian palace is the most famous castle in Dentoria, exquisitely beautiful and admired by all who see it. Its grounds consist of canals, fountains and sprawling gardens. The paved roads are lined with trees and marble statues. The current Lord of Milesia and ruler of Dentoria is King Donal, and the Crown Prince Ian is his heir. House Milesia’s crest comprises of two golden gryphons combatant on red and purple. Their words are Strive for Wisdom.

[edit] House Emeron, High House of the North

Emeron lies at the mouth of the Upper Fallah river, which is bordered with dikes to keep the banks from overflowing to the city to the south. Emeron is the fourth largest city in Dentoria and the largest city in the north. It houses tradesmen -- especially blacksmiths -- of high skill, many theatres and an arena for entertainment.

The arena especially is a favourite form of entertainment, as northerners generally appreciate shows of strength as much as they do showing others their skill in battle. Weapons made in Emeron are held in high esteem.

The surrounding land, like most of the north, is devoted to growing grain, though to the south there are more frost-resistant fruit crops. Emeron Castle is situated at the city center, separated by the city by very high stone walls that block views of the castle from the ground.

[edit] Lesser Houses of the North

Lireth lies south of the Seara Forest and northwest of Emeron. Its people are tough and hardy, and its lands comprise of a medium-sized town whose architecture is known more for its practicality and sensibility for its climate than for its aesthetics, and crops of wheat and barley. These lands also raise cattle and horses. The area is famed for its horses and races are often held for entertainment.

Mansoure is situated north of Emeron and directly south of the Adari Pass in the Eran Mountains, a passageway most used by migrants travelling between Korin and Dentoria. It is usually a stopover point for these travellers, and so there are many inns and taverns offering a bed and a meal for the weary. A number of dancers and bards also reside in Mansoure, as the people living in the area are known to love a good performance.

To the northwest of Emeron and between Mansoure and Lireth lies Franel. Like most of northern Dentoria, most of Franel’s lands are comprised of wheat crops, though grapes for wine and apples for cider are grown at the most southernmost of its lands. Franel Manor lies on a hill, north of the surrounding villages, and is one of the more well-protected castles in Dentoria. Every year, on the first day of summer, a tournament is held that draws swordsmen from all over Dentoria.

Franel's current existence is unknown.

[edit] House Temair, High House of the East

Temair is the second largest city in Dentoria, with a high immigrant population. It lies at the mouth of the Lower Fallah, where like the Upper Fallah, dikes are built along the river boundary to prevent flooding to the adjacent city. Due to its location, it is difficult to grow crops, though Temair’s researchers are working on the matter.

Temair is a city of high art and culture, with many wealthy nobles and merchants patronising budding artists and musicians and where scholars discuss new ideas and conduct research. It is also the site of the High Court, where records of laws and bills are kept, new laws are created and discussed and trials of high-status criminal suspects are conducted, and the Eastern University, an institution more famed for its work in research than its teaching.

Fights and scuffles between passing mercenaries and residents may occur on the city outskirts every so often, but this is usually kept under control.

[edit] Lesser Houses of the East

House Vernhail is known for its researchers and engineers – the drawbridge and the aquaduct system in particular are considered their crowning achievements to date. The house is also expert in the natural magics, due to a few immigrant Kilians. They are considered by their more proper Eastern peers, as well as most of the nobility, as almost frighteningly progressive in their thinking, but, like their Eastern peers, value education more highly than anything else. The ruling lord of House Vernhail traditionally heads the Research Council, which manages and supervises development of ventures that are deemed beneficial to society, such as farming tools and irrigation systems.

Bresa lies southwest of Temair and Vernhail and northeast of Nallen. About half of the province is comprised of wetlands that provide natural protection against storms, floods and tidal damage. This also means that most of the province’s economy is dependent on aquaculture; the area is well known for its farming of fish and shellfish. The unique flora and fauna of the wetlands also attract the interest of botanists and zoologists from around Dentoria. Bresa also manages the Arisadre aquaduct system that delivers water to the lands south of Eblar.

Nallen is situated southeast of Eblar and east of Rowan, to the south of the Arisadre river. The area is famous for its flower gardens, and the town is often a stopover point for trade routes to Eblar and northern Dentoria. Unlike most of eastern Dentoria, Nallen’s lands are quite suitable for farming and raising livestock, especially to the west of the province, although these lands are often subject to border disputes with the neighbouring House Rowan. Knights often patrol the area to search for bandits, but end up fighting with the Rowan knight patrol more often than not.

[edit] House Conare, High House of the West

Conare is the fifth largest city in Dentoria and the largest city in the west. It lies two and a half days ride to the northwestern shore and five days ride to the Pilgrim’s Pass.

Conare’s wealth is clearly evident in the city’s architecture and aesthetics. Government buildings are painted a creamy white, with mahogany brown roof tiles. Due to its proximity to Megam, its architecture has a heavy Megam influence and is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Dentoria. Most roads in Conare are paved with sandstone, and fountains and sculptures form the centrepiece of the market squares. It houses libraries with one of the largest collections of religious texts outside of Megam and a very large temple of some fame.

The most important building is, of course, the Treasury, which lies adjacent to Conare Manor. The Treasury holds vaults that contain collected taxes and stores of Conare’s own gold. This building is under constant guard.

[edit] Lesser Houses of the West

Tersel lies south of Lireth and northeast of Conare. The province of Tersel is famous for its unique – or sometimes outright strange – architecture, and architects who seem to compete with each other for the oddest monument. Two of Tersel’s most famous attractions are the Leaning Tower, still standing despite poor foundations, and the Sunset Spires, three towers built on the shores of the Seralis Strait meant to guard the northwestern shores, made from stone that sparkles as it catches the sunlight.

Allba lies south of Rowan and northwest of Rhia. A large part of its lands borders the Darmine Channel, a notoriously dangerous body of water to navigate due to the columns of rock that pepper the strait. Nevertheless, trade across the channel prospers. Like most of western Dentoria, it is comprised of flat grassland, ideal for grazing, and so its lands raise livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats. Dry forests lie to the east, where deer and bears roam wild.

Rowan is situated west of Nallen, southwest of Eblar and southeast of Conare. Dry forests of birch, oak and juniper, as well as the rowan trees that give the House its name, form most of its lands. The forests provide much of the area’s income in hunting, woodworking, logging and forestry, but they also allow bandits to conceal themselves with relative ease. Knight patrols constantly roam the province to drive out these bandits … as well as patrols from neighbouring House Nallen.

[edit] House Rhia, High House of the South

Rhia lies approximately a week’s ride from Diarnay, to the south. It is the third largest city in Dentoria and the largest city in the south.

Rhia is the wealthiest province in Dentoria, due to its lands being the most fertile for farming. The southern lands grow fruits such as berries, stone fruits and melons, as well as potatoes, tomatoes, corn and sugar beet.

The people of Rhia are friendly, cheerful, and very fond of food, and so the city is filled with vendors selling Dentorian adaptations of foreign cuisine as well as more traditional Dentorian food. One can find almost anything in Rhia, as it is the centre of all Dentorian trade routes, famed for its vibrant marketplaces and its relaxed and sometimes festive atmosphere. Some parts of the city seem to be in a perpetual state of celebration for something or other; music, singing and busy chatter can be heard from anywhere in the city.

A university has also been established in Rhia, though it is more renowned for its parties than anything else.

[edit] Lesser Houses of the South

The city of Aeda is the major Dentorian port on the southern Dentorian coast, opportunely situated a good distance from Colndor in Kanemoria and the coastal towns of Megam. It serves as both a base for Dentoria’s large navy and a trading port. Most naval trade routes in Eire stop by at Aeda, and so its bustling harbour is filled with goods from Atsiria, Kanemoria, Hanalan and Megam, as well as the chatter of foreign tongues. The town smells heavily of salt and the sea.

Diarnay lies south of the mouth of the Glenabar river and northeast of Rhia. A large portion of Diarnay’s lands is devoted to crops and the farming of sheep and cattle. Most wine production in the south – and most of Diarnay’s income -- comes from Diarnay’s wineries, and their grapes produce a wine that is sweet and slightly spiced. The town is usually a stopping point for those coming from the north wishing to travel to Rhia, Aeda, or Kanemoria.

Keirnan lies on the southwestern coast of Dentoria. It is the other major Dentorian port city, though in comparison with Aeda, it is much less busy and is more of a fishing community. The area is famous for its seafood.

The people of Keirnan live and prefer simple lives. Although they follow the religion of the Dragon Gods, they are strongly superstitious, relying quite heavily on the advice of astrologers and fortune-tellers, and become uncharacteristically hysterical when death and misfortune are on the cards.

[edit] Characters of Dentorian Heritage

[edit] Highborn Characters

[edit] Royalty

House Milesia

[edit] Of the North

House Emeron

  • Lord Tarmon, heir to House Emeron. Arrogant and spoiled.

House Lireth

  • Lord Hasten, Lord of Lireth, called the Lion of Lireth, a commander of the Northern Guard. Married to Lady Felicia of House Mansoure. Cold and composed, but charismatic.
  • Lady Felicia, once of House Mansoure, married to Lord Hasten.
  • Lady Amaeyra, lacking marriage prospects despite being suitable age and a perfect lady.
  • Lord Fartgus, courting Lady Chloe of House Rowan. Charming and playful.
  • Lady Elthea, thought to be dead of suicide at seventeen, currently in hiding and thought to be a ghost.
  • Lady Isanae, brilliant and clever, half-courting Lord Tarmon of House Emeron.

House Mansoure

House Franel

  • Lord Lawrence, confident and strong, ruling lord of House Franel. Thought by some to be mad.
  • Lord Kail, brash and honourable, heir presumptive to house Franel. Thought by some to be mad.
  • Lady Celeste, delicate and pious. Thought by some to be mad.

[edit] Of the East

House Temair

House Vernhail

House Bresa

  • Lord Peter, Lord of Bresa and Lord Officer of the High Court. Serious.
  • Lady Caitlin, his wife. Beloved by all the East.
  • Lord Quinn, heir to Bresa. Betrothed to Lady Philippa of Temair. Creative and socially inept.
  • Lady Deborah, a little girl with difficulty learning a lady's skills.

House Nallen

  • Lord Thomas, heir to Nallen. Pleasant and serious.
  • Lady Caroline, feels as if she has no control of her life.
  • Lady Emmeline, a detached, sickly woman.
  • Lady Laurel, youngest of the House.

[edit] Of the West

House Conare

  • Lord Nicolas, High Lord of the West, lord of Conare, master of the Treasury. Thought by some to be cursed.

House Tersel

  • Lady Mariana, true lady of Tersel, but by law unable to rule. Kind and gentle.
  • Lord Gareth, husband of Lady Mariana. Rules in his wife's name. A little eccentric.

House Rowan

  • Lord Kiefer, married to Nerida of Allba. Heir to Rowan after the tragic death of his elder brother. Serious.
  • Lord Glenn, something of a loaded cannon.
  • Lady Chloe, courting Fartgus of Lireth. Completely lacking in tact.

House Allba

  • Lord Rylan, lord of Allba and assistant Treasurer. Childless. Assertive and admirable.
  • Lady Cerise, wife of Lord Rylan. Born low and common.
  • Lord Derek, heir presumptive to Allba. Soft-spoken.
  • Lady Constance, wife of Lord Derek. Originally betrothed to Rylan, but cast aside in favour of Cerise's new money.
  • Lady Nerida, married to Kiefer of Rowan. Lively.

[edit] Of the South

House Rhia

  • Lord Craig, High Lord of the South, ruler of Rhia. Also known as Old Man Rhia. Aggressive.
  • Lord Stephan, represents his father at Council as master of trade and agriculture, head of the regent council for Keirnan. Reserved.
  • Lord Lorcan, a knight of the southern guard. A loner, but full of honour.
  • Lady Rachelle, a well-known party girl.
  • Lady Eriena, married into House Keirnan.
  • Lord Lachlan, shallow.

House Aeda

House Diarnay

House Keirnan

  • Lady Alyson, known as Alys, thought drowned, now captain of a trading ship.
  • Lord Brendan, in life, a sickly and weak boy. The former lord of Keirnan. Deceased.
  • Lady Eriena, wife of the late lord Brendan, mother of Lady Emily of Keirnan, through to be Brendan's daughter, but in fact a bastard sired through a conspiracy.

[edit] Commonborn Characters


Houses of Dentoria
Royal Milesia
Northern Emeron • Franel • Lireth • Mansoure
Eastern Temair • Bresa • Nallen • Vernhail
Western Conare • Allba • Rowan • Tersel
Southern Rhia • Aeda • Diarnay • Keirnan


Countries of Eire
Atsiria • Dentoria • Hanalan • Kanemoria • Kilia • Megam
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